AGE Concern Wyre Forest is set to drive away a new minibus after reaching its appeal target with a £5,000 donation from Kidderminster Carnival.

The windfall has enabled the charity to order a replacement vehicle and pay for adaptations including a tailgate lift for wheelchairs.

Pat Simmonds, chief officer for the district's Age Concern, said she was "absolutely delighted" by the contribution towards the £27,000 appeal.

The new minibus replaces a worn-out vehicle and will be used to ferry housebound pensioners to luncheon clubs and other activities at the charity's Tulip Centre in Kidderminster and at a number of rural venues.

"I wish to thank the carnival committee for all its hard work. It is made up of only a small team and we have been amazed at how much they have been able to raise," said Mrs Simmonds.

Committee members sold carnival programmes door-to-door, staged a duck race in the town and held a can shake at B&Q to help raise the money.

Funds also came from the street collection during the carnival parade and from the sale of stall pitches on the Brinton Park showground.

Carnival chairman Colin Hill said: "We were very pleased to equal the amount raised last year and thank the people of Kidderminster and those companies which sponsor the carnival for their generous support.

"I think people will agree that the carnival was a successful day offering fun and entertainment and to raise this kind of sum for a very worthwhile cause is a superb bonus."

Plans are already afoot for next year's carnival which will be on Saturday June 18. Anyone wishing to take part should contact Mr Hill on 01562 751634.